Yes. And here’s why. Friday it’s the Year of the Wooden Horse. (Read more about the awe-inspiring meanings of this Chinese New Year below). That, and Black History Month kicks off in an awe-inspiring way. Good Things.

What’s Up with the Weather

While the Atlanta blame-game continues (yeah I WANT to be stuck on the Banfield for 24 hours), outdoors looks pretty, pretty good. Here’s what our pals at KGW are saying.

2014 – The Year of the Yang Wood Horse

Chinese New Year is upon us, and let me just say: all signs point to AUSPICIOUS. My inside source at the College of Oriental Medicine , Rachel Taleff, shared an excellent overview courtesy of The Western School Of Feng Shui. Check part of it below and then follow link to the rest of the story. And in keeping with the spirit of the New Year, head for some grind-house fun too, from Run Run Shaw. And the Lan Su Chinese Garden has everything you want to celebrate. Plus! Check out Smashputt. It is back. I mention it here, because they have set up in China Town.

There might not be a bigger shift of energies in the entire 60-year wheel of Chinese astrology than this one coming up–the shift from two Water years of deep introspection to the fast-paced spurt of extroverted forward propulsion that the Wood Horse brings. Hold on to your hats, folks and realize that you won’t be able to, nor will you want to, slow your horses in the New Year ahead!

And stay in the mood with this marathon:

On Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 at the Hollywood Theatre, the Grindhouse Film Festival and Kung Fu Theater present the RUN RUN SHAW TRIBUTE MOVIE MARATHON! A triple feature of rare 35mm prints, paying tribute to the incredible cinematic visionary, and the last of the movie moguls, Sir Run Run Shaw (who recently passed away at the age of 106). We’ll kick it off with a Shaw Brothers giant monster movie, the “King Kong” and “Godzilla” inspired Mighty Peking Man. Followed by two more secret films! A black-magic wizard-battle freakout horror film (never before screened in Portland), and a jaw-dropping kung fu classic! $10 for all three films ($7 for Hollywood Theatre members). Advance tickets are strongly recommended, and are available here. – More HERE

Black History Month

Although “unions” seem far and few between these days, Local 99 is where I was headed to meet with Thara Memory. Catch a little rehearsal time as he put his incomparable band through its paces with the theme from Shaft! among the many pieces that are going to be featured at Jimmy Mak’s on Saturday, Feb. 1. Afterwards, a little sit-down as well. Do NOT miss the live rehearsal sound we caught (at end of convo). It is THE gift. To YOU.

Thara Memory does many things well. But his heart is set on teaching jazz “as fast as” he can. He told me “nothing is easy about teaching the very young student”. That there are so many hurdles when you want to teach them to be “creative instrumentalists”. As for his stellar band? It’s all about “doing their own thing to it”. So let’s get to it. Enjoy the conversation and a great video shot by my colleague, Robert Parish.

The Extravaganza

Tonight, we are proud to welcome back 2013 Grammy Winner, Portland’s own Thara Memory! Thara has assembled a stellar band for an extravaganza celebrating Black History Month. In honor of Black History Month, and 50 years of R&B and Soul, Thara is presenting an array of hits from artists that changed music forever. The magic of James Brown, Rufus Thomas, Al Green, Earth Wind and Fire, Isaac Hayes, George Duke, and Stevie Wonder just to name a few. Thara promises to “have you beggin’ for mercy.” The show stars Portland’s best vocalists including the incomparable Linda Hornbuckle, LaRonda Steele, Andy Stokes and Tahirah Memory, they’ll have you dancing in your seats. The vocalists will be backed by Portland’s best nine piece, soul review band including Janice Scroggins on piano, Renato Caranto on tenor sax, Stan Bock on trombone, Joby Tijerina on trumpet, Doug Lewis on lead guitar, Errick Lewis on bass, Louis Pain on organ, and Israel Annoh on drums. See and hear this 2013 Grammy winner and former James Brown band member up close and personal, and celebrate Black History month in style.

Music Destinations

Ill Lucid Onset has the new album and the party for release is at the Star Theatre on Friday. Check the fetes-detes.

You will not want to miss this event! After a year of recording in the studio and months of prep for their new full-length album ‘You Say’, ILL LUCID ONSET is kicking off their first show of 2014 with their album release with local brothers Gordon Avenue and Violet Isle at the Star Theater Portland. Tickets can be purchased at: http://www.startheaterportland.com/tickets/ Say the band: “This is more than just a show, but truly a party with full photography and a video shoot. Please share and mark your calendars.”

Post Super Bowl, What’s a Girl to do Question?

Surely you will want to go out after watching Star Cornerback Richard Sherman rout the Denver guys.

Inessa is PRP's Music Director and the driving force behind our local music initiative.You'll frequently find her surrounded by stacks of CDs in the studio or behind the mic, interviewing local artists. Listen to PRP